Vehicle interior lighting system, lighting device, and mobile unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an in-vehicle lighting system that can illuminate a wide area of ​​the ceiling inside a vehicle, even with a small lighting device. [Solution] The vehicle interior lighting system 1 comprises a mobile vehicle 2 and a lighting device 3 installed inside the vehicle interior 2a of the vehicle 2. The lighting device 3 is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface 10a of the ceiling 10 of the vehicle 2 and illuminates an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface 10a with illumination light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle lighting system, a lighting device, and a moving body.

Background Art

[0002] As in-vehicle lighting, lighting devices installed in the vehicle interiors of vehicles such as automobiles are known (Patent Document 1). As in-vehicle lighting, ceiling lighting installed on the ceiling of an automobile is the mainstream.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a demand for enhancing the quality of the space inside a vehicle. For example, it is required to create a luxurious or uplifting feeling for passengers by using lighting devices installed on the ceiling of an automobile to create the space inside the vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, conventionally, it has been proposed to create the space inside the vehicle by irradiating illumination light without creating shadows over a wide range of the ceiling by using a lighting device that is a long linear light source extending in the front-rear direction inside the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventionally, a lighting device that is a long linear light source extending in the front-rear direction inside the vehicle has been installed on the ceiling of the vehicle. For this reason, the lighting device becomes large-sized. When the lighting device becomes large-sized, not only does the cost increase, but the presence of the lighting device inside the vehicle becomes prominent, and the production effect inside the vehicle deteriorates.

[0007] This invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to provide an in-vehicle lighting system that can illuminate a wide area of ​​the ceiling inside a vehicle even with a small lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, one embodiment of the vehicle interior lighting system according to the present invention comprises a mobile body and a lighting device installed inside the vehicle interior of the mobile body, wherein the lighting device is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface of the mobile body and irradiates illumination light to an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface.

[0009] Furthermore, one embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention is a lighting device installed inside the vehicle of a mobile vehicle, wherein the lighting device is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface of the mobile vehicle and irradiates illumination light to an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface.

[0010] Furthermore, one embodiment of the mobile body according to the present invention is a mobile body comprising a lighting device installed inside the vehicle of the mobile body, wherein the lighting device is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface of the mobile body and irradiates illumination light to an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even a small lighting device can illuminate a wide area of ​​the ceiling inside a vehicle, thereby effectively enhancing the atmosphere of the vehicle interior. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an automobile in an interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows how the illumination light from the lighting device is projected into the interior of an automobile according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing the peripheral portion of the door trim of an automobile according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area around the upper surface of the door trim of an automobile according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to Modification 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows how the illumination light from the lighting device is projected into the interior of an automobile according to Modification 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a top view of an automobile with an interior lighting system according to Modification 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows how the illumination light from the lighting device is projected into the interior of an automobile according to Modified Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Accordingly, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0014] Each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, the scale and other aspects may not necessarily be consistent across all figures. In each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0015] In this specification, "front" refers to the traveling direction when the vehicle is moving forward, "rear" refers to the traveling direction when the vehicle is moving backward, the ceiling side of the vehicle is referred to as "upper" or "upper side", and the floor side of the vehicle is referred to as "lower" or "lower side". Note that in this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not refer to the upward (vertically upward) and downward (vertically downward) directions in an absolute spatial perception, and may be used as terms defined by a relative positional relationship.

[0016] (Embodiment) First, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a top view of the vehicle 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the vehicle 2. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the black squares indicate the positions of the lighting devices 3. Also, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the area indicated by the dot-like hatching shows the area in the passenger compartment 2a illuminated by the illumination light from the lighting device 3.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 includes a vehicle 2 and a lighting device 3 installed in the vehicle 2.

[0018] The vehicle 2 is an example of a moving body, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a vehicle having a passenger compartment 2a. The passenger compartment 2a in the vehicle 2 is composed of a plurality of interior trim members.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the passenger compartment 2a has, as a plurality of interior trim members, a ceiling 10, a floor 20, a pillar trim 30, and a door trim 40.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 2 has a front door 51 and a rear door 52. The front door 51 and the rear door 52 are provided on the side portions of the vehicle 2. By opening and closing the front door 51 or the rear door 52, passengers can enter or exit the passenger compartment 2a.

[0021] Each of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with a window 50a. Therefore, the windows 50a are located on the sides of the automobile 2. Thus, the automobile 2 has windows 50a on its sides. The windows 50a are made of transparent glass.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the passenger compartment 2a is equipped with front seats located at the front of the compartment 2a, namely a driver's seat 61 where the driver sits and a passenger seat 62 located next to the driver's seat 61. The passenger compartment 2a is also equipped with rear seats 63 located at the rear of the compartment 2a. The rear seats 63 can accommodate two or three passengers.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the ceiling 10 is a roof trim. The ceiling 10 is fixed to the roof 2b of the automobile 2. In this case, the ceiling 10 may be directly attached to the inner surface of the roof 2b, or it may be suspended from the roof 2b.

[0024] In this embodiment, a skylight 11 is provided in the ceiling 10. In other words, the automobile 2 has a skylight 11 provided in the ceiling 10. Specifically, the skylight 11 is an openable and closable sunroof and has transparent glass that covers the opening in the ceiling 10.

[0025] The floor 20 is a floor trim. Specifically, the floor 20 is a floor carpet fixed to the frame that constitutes the body structure of the automobile 2.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the pillar trim 30 is composed of multiple pillars. Specifically, the pillar trim 30 has an A-pillar 31, a B-pillar 32, a C-pillar 33, and a D-pillar 34. The A-pillar 31 is a front pillar located next to the windshield. The B-pillar 32 is a center pillar located between the driver's seat 61 or passenger seat 62 and the rear seat 63. The C-pillar 33 is a rear pillar located behind the rear seat. The D-pillar 34 is located behind the C-pillar 33 and is a pillar located in front of the hatchback door. In this embodiment, the D-pillar 34 is located behind the rear seat 63.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the door trim 40 is an interior trim member that covers the door panel of the front door 51 and the rear door 52. The door trim 40 that makes up the inner surface of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with an armrest, an operating switch (operating button), a cup holder, a door handle, and a storage space. The operating switch is, for example, an open / close switch for opening and closing the window glass. Note that the front door 51 of the driver's seat 61 is provided with an operating switch other than the open / close switch as an operating button.

[0028] The lighting device 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a lighting fixture that emits illumination light. The lighting device 3 is installed in the automobile 2. The lighting device 3 is an interior lighting device (interior lighting) installed in the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the lighting device 3 is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface 10a of the car 2's ceiling 10. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed in the door trim 40. Specifically, the lighting device 3 is embedded in the door trim 40. Therefore, the lighting device 3 is not visible to occupants of the car 2.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, multiple lighting devices 3 are installed in the automobile 2. In this embodiment, the lighting devices 3 are installed on the door trim 40 of each of the pair of rear doors 52. Therefore, two lighting devices 3 are installed in the automobile 2.

[0031] Next, the lighting device 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing how the illumination light from the lighting device 3 is irradiated inside the passenger compartment 2a of the automobile 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing the area around the door trim 40 of the automobile 2 according to the embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device 3 directs illumination light toward the ceiling 10. In other words, the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 is directed toward the ceiling surface 10a of the ceiling 10. By directing the illumination light toward the ceiling surface 10a, the ceiling surface 10a and the interior of the vehicle compartment 2a can be brightly illuminated.

[0033] As described above, since the lighting device 3 is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface 10a of the roof 10 of the automobile 2, the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 travels upward. In other words, the lighting device 3 is an uplight that illuminates upward.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is a spotlight that illuminates a specific narrow area. Therefore, the lighting device 3 illuminates a portion of the ceiling surface 10a with spotlights as illumination.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device 3 illuminates an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface 10a. Specifically, the lighting device 3 illuminates an area including the widthwise edge of the ceiling surface 10a. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the lighting device 3 illuminates an area only between the edge of the ceiling surface 10a and the skylight 11. Therefore, the lighting device 3 does not illuminate the window 50a of the rear door 52. Furthermore, the lighting device 3 does not illuminate the skylight 11 provided in the ceiling 10. Specifically, the lighting device 3 illuminates an area between the edge of the ceiling surface 10a and the skylight 11, and the central area in the front-rear direction of the automobile 2 (around the upper part of the B pillar 32).

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, when illumination light is shone from the lighting device 3 onto the ceiling surface 10a, an illumination light irradiation area 3a is formed on the ceiling surface 10a. As shown in Figure 1, the illumination light irradiation area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a extends along the edge of the ceiling surface 10a in the front-to-rear direction of the automobile 2. The outer shape of the illumination light irradiation area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a is oval. In this case, if the ceiling surface 10a onto which the illumination light is shone is curved, the illumination light irradiation area 3a of the lighting device 3 on the ceiling surface 10a will be an oval shape that is distorted according to the curved portion of the ceiling surface 10a.

[0037] The outline of the illumination area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a is, for example, approximately elliptical. Therefore, if the ceiling surface 10a onto which the illumination light is shone is curved, the illumination area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a will be approximately elliptical in shape according to the shape of the curved portion of the ceiling surface 10a. In other words, the illumination area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a will be approximately elliptical with distortion according to the curved portion of the ceiling surface 10a.

[0038] Furthermore, the outer shape of the illumination area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a is not limited to an ellipse or other oblong shape, but may be roughly rectangular. In this case, the roughly rectangular illumination area 3a may have a shape in which the four corners of the rectangle are bulging out, as if the ellipse had been deformed.

[0039] Lighting device 3 emits white light as illumination. However, the color of the light emitted by lighting device 3 is not limited to white light. Furthermore, lighting device 3 may have functions to control the brightness and color temperature of the illumination. This allows for changes in the brightness and color temperature of the illumination emitted from lighting device 3, thereby enabling the creation of different atmospheres within the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0040] Furthermore, the lighting device 3 is illuminated, for example, when the driver is operating the vehicle 2 (while driving). In other words, the lighting device 3 emits illumination light while driving (i.e., while the vehicle 2 is in motion). Note that the lighting device 3 may be illuminated not only while driving, but also when not driving. For example, the lighting device 3 may be illuminated when an occupant gets into or out of the vehicle 2. Also, the lighting device 3 may be illuminated not only at night, but also during the day. By illuminating the lighting device 3 during the day, an open and brightly lit space can be created.

[0041] Here, an example of the structure of the lighting device 3 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the lighting device 3 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area around the upper surface portion 40a of the door trim 40 of the automobile 2 according to the embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lighting device 3 is installed inside the door trim 40. The lighting device 3 is covered by the upper surface 40a of the door trim 40. The door trim 40 is provided with an opening 41. In this embodiment, the opening 41 is provided on the upper surface 40a of the door trim 40. The opening 41 is a through-hole through which the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 passes. Therefore, the opening 41 of the door trim 40 becomes a light emission part, and the illumination light from the lighting device 3 passes through the opening 41 of the door trim 40 and is irradiated into the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0043] In this embodiment, the opening 41 provided in the door trim 40 is a long slit. As an example, the shape of the opening 41 may be an oval, such as a racetrack shape, or a roughly rectangular shape. However, the opening 41 is not limited to a long slit. For example, the shape of the opening 41 may be circular or elliptical, or a polygon other than a rectangle.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the lighting device 3 comprises a light source module 100, a light shielding member 200, a lens 300, a housing 400, and a cover plate 500.

[0045] The light source module 100 includes a light source 110 that emits light and a substrate 120 on which the light source 110 is placed. The light source module 100 emits light that becomes the illumination light for the lighting device 3. Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 110 of the light source module 100 becomes the illumination light for the lighting device 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the light source 110 is an LED light source composed of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Therefore, the lighting device 3 is an LED lighting device. The light source 110 is, for example, a white LED light source that emits white light of a predetermined color temperature. The color temperature range of the white light emitted by the light source 110 is, for example, 3000K to 7000K, but is not limited to this.

[0047] The light distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the LED light source 110 is Lambertsian. Specifically, the beam angle of the light emitted from the light source 110 is 120°. In other words, the light emitted from the light source 110 is divergent light with a broad spread.

[0048] In this embodiment, the light source 110 is a packaged surface mount device (SMD) type LED element. In other words, the light source module 100 is an SMD type LED module.

[0049] The surface-mount LED light source 110 comprises a white resin package (container) having a recess, an LED chip primarily mounted on the bottom surface of the recess in the package, and a sealing member enclosed within the recess of the package. The sealing member is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as silicone resin. The sealing member may also be a phosphor-containing resin containing a wavelength conversion material such as a phosphor.

[0050] An LED chip is an example of a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light in response to a predetermined DC power, and is a bare chip that emits monochromatic visible light. For example, an LED chip is a blue LED chip that emits blue light when powered on. In this case, in order to obtain white light, the encapsulating material contains a yellow phosphor such as YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) that fluoresces using the blue light from the blue LED chip as excitation light.

[0051] The light source 110 configured in this way is a BY-type white LED light source composed of a blue LED chip and a yellow phosphor. Specifically, the yellow phosphor absorbs a portion of the blue light emitted by the blue LED chip, is excited, and emits yellow light. This yellow light mixes with the blue light that was not absorbed by the yellow phosphor to produce white light. In addition to the yellow phosphor, the encapsulating material may also contain red or green phosphors.

[0052] Furthermore, although there is one light source 110 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. In other words, there may be multiple light sources 110. In this case, multiple light sources 110 constitute one light-emitting unit, and the center of the light-emitting unit becomes the optical axis.

[0053] Note that the light source module 100 is not limited to an SMD type LED module. For example, the light source module 100 may be a COB (Chip On Board) type LED module. In this case, the light source 110 has an LED chip (bare chip) directly mounted on the substrate 120 and a sealing member that seals the LED chip. There may be one LED chip or multiple LED chips. When multiple LED chips are mounted on the substrate 120, the multiple LED chips may be sealed together by the sealing member or sealed individually. Furthermore, this sealing member may contain a wavelength conversion material such as a yellow phosphor, as described above.

[0054] The substrate 120 is a mounting substrate for mounting the light source 110. Specifically, the substrate 120 is a printed circuit board in which metal wiring is formed in a predetermined pattern. The base material constituting the substrate 120 is a resin substrate, a ceramic substrate, or a metal base substrate, etc. The substrate 120 is provided with a pair of electrode terminals for receiving DC power from an external source to make the light source 110 emit light. The pair of electrode terminals are electrically connected to a power supply circuit by wires or the like.

[0055] The light source 110 emits light using power supplied from a power supply circuit (not shown). The power supply circuit receives AC power and converts it into DC power at a predetermined level by rectifying, smoothing, and stepping down the AC power. The DC power generated by the power supply circuit is supplied to the light source 110, causing the light source 110 to emit light. The power supply circuit, for example, is configured as a constant current circuit, but the current supplied to the light source 110 may be limited by a constant voltage circuit and a resistor. The power supply circuit may be built into the lighting device 3, or it may be installed separately from the lighting device 3 outside of the lighting device 3.

[0056] On the light-emitting side of the light source 110, the light-shielding member 200 and the lens 300 are arranged in this order. The light-shielding member 200 and the lens 300 are located on the optical axis of the light source 110.

[0057] The light-shielding member 200 has an opening 210 and a light-shielding portion 220. The opening 210 is a through-hole through which light from the light source 110 passes. In this embodiment, the opening 210 allows a portion of the light emitted from the light source 110 to pass through. The light-shielding portion 220 shields a portion of the outer peripheral region of the light emitted from the light source 110. The light-shielding portion 220 is a flat light-shielding plate having the opening 210.

[0058] The aperture 210 is located between the light source 110 and the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. The aperture 210 faces the light source 110 in the optical axis direction of the light source 110, at a predetermined distance from it. The center of the aperture 210 coincides with the optical axis of the light source 110.

[0059] The opening 210 is a long, rectangular slit. For example, the shape of the opening 210 may be an oval, such as a racetrack shape, or a roughly rectangular shape. However, the opening 210 is not limited to a long, rectangular slit. For example, the shape of the opening 210 may be circular or elliptical, or a polygon other than a rectangle.

[0060] Light emitted from the light source 110 with a Lambertsian distribution is partially blocked by the light-shielding portion 220 in its outer region, while the remaining portion not blocked by the light-shielding portion 220 passes through the opening 210. In other words, the inner region of the light emitted from the light source 110 passes through the opening 210. The light-shielding member 200 may also be configured such that most of the light emitted from the light source 110 passes through the opening 210.

[0061] Furthermore, the light-shielding member 200 blocks stray light caused by light emitted from the light source 110. For example, the light-shielding member 200 blocks light (stray light) that is reflected by the inner wall of the housing 400 or the like from the light emitted from the light source 110. This prevents stray light generated in the space between the light-shielding member 200 and the light source 110 from passing through the opening 210 and entering the lens 300.

[0062] The light-shielding member 200 (light-shielding portion 220) may block light by absorbing it, or by specular or scattered reflection, but it is preferable for the light-shielding member 200 to block light by absorbing it. In this case, the light-shielding member 200 may be made of a light-absorbing material with a light transmittance of 10% or less, for example. A resin material or a metal material can be used as the light-absorbing material. In this embodiment, the light-absorbing material constituting the light-shielding member 200 is a black resin material. This makes it possible to efficiently absorb and block light that reaches the light-shielding portion 220 of the light-shielding member 200.

[0063] The lens 300 is an optical component that controls the light distribution of light emitted from the light source module 100. The lens 300 has a lens portion 310 through which light from the light source 110 of the light source module 100 passes, and a support portion 320 provided on the outside of the lens portion 310.

[0064] The lens portion 310 is the lens body and a light-transmitting member that controls the light distribution of incident light. In this embodiment, light emitted from the light source 110 is incident on the lens portion 310, so the lens portion 310 controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source 110. The optical axis (lens axis) of the lens portion 310 coincides with the optical axis of the light source 110.

[0065] Light emitted from the light source 110 and passing through the opening 210 of the light-shielding member 200 is transmitted through the lens portion 310. Therefore, the lens portion 310 has a light-emitting surface from which light is emitted.

[0066] In this embodiment, the lens portion 310 is a condensing lens that focuses the light emitted from the light source 110. Specifically, the lens portion 310 focuses the light emitted from the light source 110 that has passed through the opening 210 of the light-shielding member 200. The lens portion 310 is, for example, a convex lens. The lens portion 310 is positioned between the opening 210 of the light-shielding member 200 and the opening 410 of the housing 400.

[0067] The support portion 320 is a flange portion formed in a flange shape on the outer circumference of the lens portion 310. The support portion 320 supports the housing 400.

[0068] The lens 300 is formed using a light-transmitting material. Specifically, the lens 300 is made of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a transparent material such as glass.

[0069] The housing 400 is a case that encloses the light source module 100, the light shielding member 200, and the lens 300. In other words, the light source module 100, the light shielding member 200, and the lens 300 are housed in the housing 400.

[0070] The housing 400 has an opening 410 and a light-shielding portion 420. The opening 410 is a through-hole through which light emitted from the lens portion 310 of the lens 300 passes. In this embodiment, the opening 410 allows a portion of the light emitted from the lens 300 to pass through. The light-shielding portion 420 shields a portion of the outer peripheral region of the light emitted from the lens 300. The light-shielding portion 420 is a flat light-shielding plate having the opening 410.

[0071] The light-shielding portion 420 is positioned on the light-emitting side of the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. The opening 410 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the lens portion 310. The opening 410 faces the lens portion 310 in the optical axis direction of the light source 110. The center of the opening 410 coincides with the optical axis of the light source 110. Therefore, the center of the opening 410 coincides with the center of the opening 210 of the light-shielding member 200, as well as the center of the lens portion 310 of the lens 300.

[0072] The opening 410 is a long, rectangular slit. For example, the shape of the opening 410 may be an oval, such as a racetrack shape, or a roughly rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the opening 410 has the same shape and size as the opening 210 of the light-shielding member 200. However, the opening 410 is not limited to a long, rectangular slit. For example, the shape of the opening 410 may be circular or elliptical, or a polygon other than a rectangle. Also, the opening 410 does not have to be the same shape or size as the opening 210 of the light-shielding member 200. For example, even if the opening 210 and the opening 410 have the same shape, they may be different sizes. Specifically, the size of the opening 210 may be larger than the size of the opening 410.

[0073] The light-shielding portion 420 suppresses the spread of light emitted from the lens portion 310 of the lens 300. In other words, the light-shielding portion 420 limits the angle of spread of light emitted from the lens portion 310. Specifically, the light that is focused by the lens portion 310 and emitted from the lens portion 310 is partially shielded by the light-shielding portion 420 in its outer region, while the remaining portion not shielded by the light-shielding portion 420 passes through the opening 410. In other words, the inner region of the light emitted from the lens portion 310 passes through the opening 410. For example, light emitted from the peripheral portion of the lens portion 310 that becomes parallel light is shielded by the light-shielding portion 420, while light emitted from the central portion of the lens portion 310 passes through the opening 410 and becomes focused light. In this way, the light-shielding portion 420 limits the angle of spread of light emitted from the lens portion 310 by cutting off a portion of the light emitted from the lens portion 310.

[0074] Light passing through the opening 410 of the housing 400 is irradiated onto the ceiling surface 10a as illumination light from the lighting device 3. Therefore, the opening 410 is the light emission part of the lighting device 3. In other words, the opening 410 is a through-hole that becomes the light emission part from which light from the light source 110 is emitted.

[0075] The light-shielding portion 420 may block light by absorbing light, similar to the light-shielding member 200, or by specular or scattered reflection of light. However, it is preferable for the light-shielding portion 420 to block light by absorbing light, similar to the light-shielding member 200. In this case, the light-shielding portion 420 may be made of a light-absorbing material with a light transmittance of 10% or less, for example. Resin materials or metal materials can be used as the light-absorbing material. In this embodiment, the light-absorbing material constituting the light-shielding portion 420 is a black resin material. This allows for efficient absorption and blocking of light reaching the light-shielding portion 420. The material of the light-shielding portion 420 is the same as the material of the light-shielding member 200, but it may be different from the material of the light-shielding member 200. Also, in this embodiment, the housing 400 is constructed as a single unit. Therefore, the entire housing 400 is made of light-absorbing material.

[0076] The opening on the light source module 100 side of the housing 400 is covered by a cover plate 500. The cover plate 500 is fixed to the housing 400 so as to cover the opening on the light source module 100 side of the housing 400. The cover plate 500 may be a resin plate made of a resin material, or a metal plate made of a metal material. The cover plate 500, together with the housing 400, is an outer enclosure member that constitutes the outer casing of the lighting device 3.

[0077] The lighting device 3, configured in this way, is designed so that the opening 410 (light-emitting part) of the housing 400 is not visible when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the ceiling surface 10a of the ceiling 10. Specifically, occupants of the automobile 2 are unable to see the opening 410 (light-emitting part) of the housing 400. This suppresses the perception of glare by the occupants, thereby realizing a glare-free lighting device 3.

[0078] In this embodiment, the light-emitting part of the lighting device 3 was the opening 410 of the housing 400, but it is not limited to this. For example, if the housing 400 of the lighting device 3 does not have an opening 410, the light-emitting part of the lighting device 3 may be the lens 300. Also, if the housing 400 of the lighting device 3 does not have an opening 410 and the lighting device 3 has a light-transmitting cover that covers the lens 300, the light-emitting part of the lighting device 3 will be the light-transmitting cover. In this case, the light-transmitting cover may be a transparent cover rather than a diffusion cover. This makes it easy to irradiate a specific illumination area 3a on the ceiling surface 10a with illumination light.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the opening 410 of the housing 400 in the lighting device 3 communicates with the opening 41 of the door trim 40. Specifically, the shape of the opening 410 of the lighting device 3 on the door trim side matches the shape of the opening 41 of the door trim 40 on the lighting device 3 side.

[0080] The opening 410 of the lighting device 3 (the light emission portion of the lighting device 3) may also constitute part of the door trim 40.

[0081] As described above, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a mobile vehicle 2 and a lighting device 3 installed in the vehicle interior 2a of the vehicle 2. The lighting device 3 is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface 10a of the ceiling 10 of the vehicle 2 and illuminates an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface 10a with illumination light.

[0082] This configuration allows for an increased distance between the lighting device 3 and the ceiling surface 10a, which is the surface onto which the illumination light from the lighting device 3 is projected. In other words, the lighting device 3 can emit illumination light from a position away from the ceiling surface 10a, thereby illuminating the ceiling surface 10a. As a result, the illumination light projected from the lighting device 3 spreads toward the ceiling surface 10a, illuminating a wide area of ​​the ceiling surface 10a. Therefore, even with a small lighting device 3, it is possible to illuminate a wide area of ​​the ceiling surface 10a without using a large, long lighting device such as one that uses a light guide rod. Thus, according to the vehicle interior lighting system 1 and lighting device 3 of this embodiment, illumination light can be projected onto a wide area of ​​the ceiling 10 inside the vehicle interior 2a, thereby creating a pleasant atmosphere within the vehicle interior 2a.

[0083] In particular, in this embodiment, the lighting device 3 has a lens 300 that controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source module 100, so that the lighting light with controlled distribution is irradiated onto the ceiling surface 10a from a position away from the ceiling surface 10a. As a result, the lighting light can be irradiated over an even wider area of ​​the ceiling surface 10a.

[0084] Then, when the illumination light is shone onto the ceiling surface 10a, an illumination area 3a is formed on the ceiling surface 10a. In this embodiment, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 passes through the opening 410 of the housing 400 and the opening 41 of the door trim 40 and is shone into the vehicle compartment 2a. As an example, if the shape of the opening 410 of the housing 400 is a racetrack shape, as shown in Figure 6, if the length of the major axis W1 in the opening 410 of the housing 400 is 6 mm and the length of the minor axis W2 is 1 mm, then the illumination range of the illumination light where the illuminance of the illumination light is 0.1 lux [lx] among the illumination surfaces perpendicular to the optical axis of the lighting device 3 is an oval shape of 395 mm × 75 mm, and the illumination area 3a of the illumination light on the ceiling surface 10a where the illuminance of the illumination light is 0.1 lux [lx] is an oval shape of 440 mm × 110 mm. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the irradiation distance L1 from the opening 410 of the housing 400 to the ceiling surface 10a is approximately 400 mm.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the illumination area 3a of the lighting light on the ceiling surface 10a extends along the edge of the ceiling surface 10a in the front-to-rear direction of the automobile 2. In other words, lighting light can be emitted over a wide area of ​​the ceiling surface 10a in the front-to-rear direction of the automobile 2 along the edge of the ceiling surface 10a.

[0086] Furthermore, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 illuminates only the area between the edge of the ceiling surface 10a and the skylight 11. Therefore, the lighting device 3 does not illuminate the window 50a of the rear door 52. Also, the lighting device 3 does not illuminate the skylight 11 provided in the ceiling 10.

[0087] This configuration prevents the light emitted from the lighting device 3 from reflecting onto the window 50a or skylight 11. As a result, the light from the lighting device 3 can create a high-quality atmosphere within the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0088] Furthermore, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on the door trim 40 of the automobile 2.

[0089] With this configuration, the lighting device 3 is installed on the side of the vehicle 2, so that the movement of the occupants in the vehicle 2 or objects such as luggage placed in the vehicle 2 do not interfere with the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3. In other words, it is possible to suppress the casting of shadows on the illumination light.

[0090] In this embodiment, an opening 41 is provided in the door trim 40, and the illumination light from the lighting device 3 passes through the opening 41 in the door trim 40 and is irradiated into the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0091] This configuration eliminates the visual presence of the lighting device 3, allowing the illumination light to be emitted directly from the door trim 40, thus creating a high-quality atmosphere within the vehicle interior 2a.

[0092] (modified version) Although the lighting device according to the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on the door trim 40 and configured to emit illumination light from the upper surface of the door trim 40 toward the ceiling surface 10a, but the invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0094] Specifically, as shown in Modification 1 in Figures 7 and 8, the lighting device 3 may be installed on the D-pillar 34 of the pillar trim 30, and the lighting light may be directed from behind the rear seats 63 toward the ceiling surface 10a. In this case, the D-pillar 34 is provided with an opening through which the lighting light emitted from the lighting device 3 passes. Alternatively, the lighting device 3 may be installed on the C-pillar 33 of the pillar trim 30, and the lighting light may be directed from the C-pillar 33 toward the ceiling surface 10a.

[0095] Alternatively, as shown in Modification 2 in Figures 9 and 10, the lighting device 3 may be installed in the curved portion 10b located behind the ceiling surface 10a of the automobile 2, so that the illumination light is projected from the rear of the ceiling 10 toward the center of the ceiling surface 10a. In this case, an opening is provided in the curved portion 10b of the ceiling 10 through which the illumination light projected from the lighting device 3 passes. Furthermore, in Modification 2, the irradiation angle of the illumination light toward the ceiling surface 10a is shallower compared to Embodiment 1 and Modification 1 described above.

[0096] In both Modification 1 and Modification 2, similar to the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 illuminates the area between the edge of the ceiling surface 10a and the skylight 11, and the central area in the front-rear direction of the automobile 2 (around the upper part of the B pillar 32). Therefore, in Modifications 1 and 2, the illumination distance from the lighting device 3 to the ceiling surface 10a is longer than in the above embodiment. As a result, in Modifications 1 and 2, a wider area of ​​the ceiling surface 10a can be illuminated with lighting light compared to the above embodiment.

[0097] As an example of a modified example 2, if the shape of the opening provided in the curved portion 10b of the ceiling 10 is a racetrack shape, and the length of the major axis W1 in this opening is 35 mm and the length of the minor axis W2 is 14 mm, then the illumination range of the illumination light perpendicular to the optical axis of the lighting device 3 where the illuminance of the illumination light is 0.1 lux [lx] is an oval shape of 120 mm × 49 mm, and the illumination area 3a of the illumination light on the ceiling surface 10a where the illuminance of the illumination light is 0.1 lux [lx] is an oval shape of 440 mm × 110 mm. In this case, the illumination distance from the opening provided in the curved portion 10b of the ceiling 10 to the ceiling surface 10a is approximately 1000 mm.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 was an interior lighting device installed in the vehicle compartment 2a, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, the lighting device 3 does not have to be installed in the vehicle compartment 2a. For example, the lighting device 3 may be installed on the ceiling of a room in a house or building, etc.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an opening 41 is provided in the door trim 40 as a light emission part, and the illumination light from the lighting device 3 passes through the opening 41, which is a through hole, and is irradiated into the vehicle compartment 2a, but this is not limited to this. For example, a transparent cover may be provided in the door trim 40 as a light emission part, and the illumination light from the lighting device 3 may pass through this transparent cover and be irradiated into the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0100] Furthermore, although the light source of the lighting device 3 in the above embodiment was an LED light source, it is not limited to this. For example, the light source of the lighting device 3 may be an existing light source such as a fluorescent lamp, xenon lamp, or halogen lamp. However, by using an LED light source for the lighting device 3, power consumption can be reduced, and the lighting device 3 can be lit with a DC power supply.

[0101] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses an automobile 2 as an example of a mobile body, it is not limited to this. Specifically, the mobile body may be a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a railway car, as long as it has a passenger compartment. In other words, the lighting device 3 may be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle other than an automobile.

[0102] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments and their respective modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above embodiments and their respective modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the present invention also includes arbitrary combinations of one or more components from each of the multiple claims described in the claims of the present application. Furthermore, the present invention also includes all forms obtained by combining all the claims included in the multiple claims or multiple-multi-claims when the cited claims described in the claims of the present application are made into multiple claims or multiple-multi-claims that quote any multiple claims (for example, when each claim is made into a multiple claim or multiple-multi-claim that quotes all of the higher-level claims), in which case all forms obtained by combinations of all the claims included in that multiple claim or multiple-multi-claim are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1. Interior lighting system 2. Automobile (mobile device) 2a cabin 3. Lighting equipment 3a Irradiation area 10 Ceiling 10a Ceiling surface 10b Curved section 11 Skylight 33 C-pillar 34 D-pillar 40 Door Trim 40a Top part 41 Opening 50a Window

Claims

1. Mobile and The vehicle includes a lighting device installed inside the vehicle of the aforementioned mobile vehicle, The lighting device is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface of the moving body and illuminates an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface with illumination light. Interior lighting system.

2. The illumination area of ​​the lighting on the ceiling surface extends along the edge of the ceiling surface in the front-rear direction of the moving body. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1.

3. The moving body has a window on its side, The lighting device does not irradiate the window with the illumination light. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1.

4. The moving body has a skylight provided in the ceiling of the moving body, The lighting device does not irradiate the skylight with the illumination light. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1.

5. The lighting device illuminates only the area between the edge of the ceiling surface and the skylight with the illumination light. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 4.

6. The lighting device is installed on the door trim of the moving body. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1.

7. An opening is provided in the aforementioned door trim, The illumination light passes through the opening and is irradiated into the vehicle interior. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 6.

8. The light-emitting portion of the illumination light emitted from the aforementioned lighting device constitutes a part of the door trim. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 6.

9. The lighting device is installed on the C-pillar or D-pillar of the moving body. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1.

10. The lighting device is installed in a curved section located behind the ceiling surface of the moving body. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned lighting device has a light-emitting section, The light-emitting unit is configured so as not to be visible to the occupants of the moving vehicle. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. The outer shape of the illumination area on the ceiling surface is oval or approximately elliptical. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The area of ​​illumination light on the ceiling surface is an oval or approximately elliptical shape that is distorted according to the curved portion of the ceiling surface. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A lighting device installed inside the vehicle of a mobile vehicle, The lighting device is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface of the moving body and illuminates an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface with illumination light. Lighting device.

15. It is a mobile object, The vehicle is equipped with a lighting device installed inside the vehicle compartment of the aforementioned mobile vehicle, The lighting device is installed at a position lower than the ceiling surface of the moving body and illuminates an area including at least the edge of the ceiling surface with illumination light. A mobile object.

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